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Passion for photography transforms once-rebellious teen

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SINGAPORE - "You are a bad kid and a parasite of our society!" Those were the words a discipline master once said to the then 13-year-old Ang Pei Pei. Those words cut her deep and pushed her further into the dark abyss. "I felt embarrassed when he said that in front of a large audience. So I decided that if you label me as a bad kid, then I shall truly behave like one!"

Pei Pei started talking back to teachers, broke school rules deliberately and played truant. Looking back, the 17-year-old confessed that she was truly a rebellious kid then. "I was once late for 9 times within a term and was suspended from school."

The rebellious teen also has a troubled past. Her parents divorced when she was young and all four children stayed with their mother, but Pei Pei is not at all on terms with her mother. Having to work long hours to make ends meet, her mother barely has time to pay attention to Pei Pei's silent screams for help.

THE STRUGGLE

"These kids are not bad by nature. They are simply misunderstood and wrongly labelled by society. Scolding them does not help, only through understanding and concern can they be pulled back from wrong influences," explains Miss Lim Jia En, a social worker from Student Care Services (SCS) .

Pei Pei's rebellious stunts landed her into SCS in Secondary 2. It was while in SCS that the teen found her passion and purpose in life through photography.

"I will never forget the first time I held a camera was at an SCS event," recalls Pei Pei. "After the event, I felt very relaxed. I discovered that I like to capture and retain memories through photography. This gives me a sense of satisfaction."

SCS senior social worker, Miss Ong Jie Wen, marvels at the teen's transformation. "When Pei Pei first arrived at the centre, she was very defensive and often eluded herself. After she picked up photography, Pei Pei became more patient, responsible and confident." Pei Pei eventually became the president of the photography team at "Hey Belle" - an SCS-initiated club that encourages female teenagers to be more confident through picking up life skills and developing their passion.

In addition, Pei Pei met a life-changing mentor, Mr Lim Jit Chong, when she was Secondary 3. "He told me that I cannot let people put me down just because I am from the normal technical stream. That inspired me to change my attitude."

Mr Lim further encouraged her to not give up. "Among 40 students in my class, I usually rank around the 25th. Nonetheless, Mr Lim continued to encourage me. He told me I have the potential to be the top 10 in class. That shocked me but also motivated me to strive harder."

Pei Pei lived up to his expectations and subsequently stayed in the top 10 for two years.

THE DREAM

Photography inspires Pei Pei to find her focus in life. She hopes to receive formal photography training and develop her skills, so that she can prove to others that she is not a failure.

Host Ken Low arranges for her to learn from Long, one of the most experienced and professional photographers from Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao. From setting aperture and adjusting shutter speed on the camera, to composing and framing of shots, Long imparts technical knowledge to the photo enthusiast.

"I think Pei Pei is very talented. She has improved immensely. Going from zero knowledge to grasping basic concepts within such a short amount of time. She is very enthusiastic when it comes to photography and I am very happy to be able to share some tips with someone that is so keen to learn," Long comments at the end of the session.

Now it is time for Pei Pei to showcase her talent. Watch the video to find out what moves her to tears during her shoot.

For more stories on "Live Your Dream", please visit: www.zaobao.com/zvideos/live-your-dream

About "Live Your Dream"

"Live Your Dream"(完成一个梦) is one of 10 SPH-produced short-form digital video series as part of a pilot Public Service Broadcast initiative. In this 13 episode series, host Ken Low Yong Kian (Digital Content Producer, Chinese Media Group Digital) will try his best to fulfil people's dreams no matter how challenging it may be. All episodes come with English subtitles.

This series is also available on zaobao.sg website, as well as the mobile app.

Friday, August 18, 2017 - 17:56
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Man arrested for selling $53,000 worth of fake luxury watches online

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The police a cracking down on those who sell counterfeit products on the Internet. 

A 34-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday (Aug 16) for allegedly selling fake luxury watches online after a raid was conducted at Beach Road. 

Just over 1,100 pieces of counterfeit watches and accessories including straps and buckles with an estimated street value of about $53,000 were seized. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had used e-commerc eit goods from foreign sources, before reselling themlocally via a social platform.

Investigations against the man are ongoing.

Anyone found guilty of selling or distributing goods with trademark infringements may be fined up to $100,000, be imprisoned up to five years or both. 

maryanns@sph.com.sg

Friday, August 18, 2017 - 18:39
Others

Dead teen used pillow to cushion 7-storey jump

Police report made over ads requesting upskirt videos

Cancelled: Pulau Zombie role-play event on St John's Island

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How Leslie Kee went from living in rental flat to earning $40k daily as top photographer

Balestier bak kut teh shop's 'customer from hell' throws chopsticks, topples bun steamer and flips table

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Stomper Danny alerted Stomp to a video showing a man creating a ruckus at a bak kut teh shop along Balestier Road.

According to the caption of the video posted by Balestier Bak Kut Teh (Kian Lian) on their Facebook page, the incident took place on Aug 19 at around 2.37am.

In the video, the man who was clad in a black T-shirt, can be first seen sitting at a table outside the eatery with a companion.

Both of them then started throwing chopsticks into the premises. At one point, the man in the black top threw the entire container of chopsticks onto the ground in the direction of the shop.

Thereafter, he took a chair and slammed it on a rack of snacks nearby.

Things however, did not end there. The man pushed over a huge bun steamer, causing it to break. Parts of the steamer and utensils were strewn on the floor.

Towards the end of the video, he flipped a table near where he was seated, and left the scene.

Man flips table, throws chopsticks at Balestier bak kut teh shop

Balestier Bak Kut Teh (Kian Lian) said that the two men were last seen boarding a blue taxi.

They estimated damages to be worth around $5,000.

Wrote the eatery about the incident: "Physical damages can be fixed and replaced. However, our staff were frightened and shaken to be terrorised in this manner."

The reason the men's actions are unclear.

Said a police spokesman in response to a Stomp query:

"On 19 August 2017 at 2.40am, the police were alerted to a case of rash act at 365 Balestier Road.

"Police investigations are ongoing." 

on Facebook

An unfortunate incident, causing losses of at least $5000 and damaged furnitures, had happen during the early morning of...

Posted by Balestier Bak Kut Teh (Kian Lian) on Friday, 18 August 2017
Sunday, August 20, 2017 - 10:05

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https://www.facebook.com/365bkt/videos/1102364689863098/

70-year-old woman dies after getting hit by bus along Ang Mo Kio Ave 3

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A 70-year-old woman was killed in an accident involving an SMRT Bus along Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 this morning (Aug 19) at around 6.25am.

Stompers Grace, Rinns and Gary alerted Stomp to what happened and sent us photos of the accident scene.

According to The Straits Times, the woman had been hit by the bus outside shopping mall AMK Hub.

In the photos sent by the Stompers, the SMRT bus can be seen on the left-most lane of the road. 

Beside the bus on a grass patch was a death tent. An area around the tent had been cordoned off by the police.

Stomper Grace, who came across the aftermath of the accident at around 8am, said that two lanes of the road were blocked and traffic was heavy.

She also reported seeing several police vehicles, including a CSI van, in the vicinity.

Said a police spokesman in response to a Stomp query:

"On 19 August 2017 at 6.25am, the police were alerted to an accident involving a bus and a pedestrian at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.

"The 70-year-old female pedestrian was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

"The 65-year-old male bus driver was arrested for causing death by negligent act.

"Police investigations are ongoing."

Sunday, August 20, 2017 - 10:17
Others

Singapore students suffer from high levels of anxiety: Study

Man arrested for offering to purchase upskirt videos on Carousell

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Police have arrested 35-year-old man  for his suspected involvement in several cases of offering to purchase upskirt videos.

Several reports were made to the police between Aug 16 and 18 of online advertisements on Carousell and Locanto that offered to purchase upskirt videos of female students. 

According to reports, the suspect had offered $30 to $60 for the videos of themselves, and allegedly offered more for pinafore uniforms, such as CHIJ Secondary. 

Police managed to establish the identity of the suspect and arrested him on Friday (Aug 19). Two laptops and a portable hard disk seized for follow-up investigations.

Investigations are ongoing. If convicted, the suspect is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 or jail of up to 5 years, or both. 

a1admin@sph.com.sg

Sunday, August 20, 2017 - 16:54
Others

New app to help motorists find available parking

Man, 70, and daughter, 27, found dead at Pasir Ris block

56-year-old motorcyclist mowed down and dragged on BKE by Mercedes driver

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A Mercedes driver was recorded on camera mowing down and dragging a 56-year-old motorcyclist.

According to a caption on the video of what happened posted on ROADs.sg, the incident took place on the (Bukit Timah Expressway) BKE towards the Seletar Expressway (SLE) near the Mandai exit on Aug 15 at around 3.18pm.

In the video, the motorcyclist can first be seen riding on the extreme right of the third lane.

The Mercedes was travelling on the fourth lane, behind the motorcycle.

Thereafter, the Mercedes driver veered left into the third lane and hit the rear of the motorcyclist.

The latter was then dragged by the car, and fell onto the expressway beside the road divider a few seconds later.

Following the accident, the driver stopped the Mercedes on the third lane.

Said a police spokesman with regard to what happened:

"On 15 August 2017, at 3.21pm, the police were alerted to an accident involving a car and a motorcycle along the BKE towards Woodlands.

"A 56-year-old male motorcyclist was conscious when conveyed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital."

on Facebook

Motor biker being mowed down by Mercedes SLG2395T. Distracted driving is endangering others on the road. Stay focused...

Posted by ROADS.sg on Thursday, 17 August 2017
Monday, August 21, 2017 - 09:54
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Local bicycle shop orders 240 bottles of Coke, gets 2,400 instead due to 'miscommunication'


No oil pollution reported after US warship, tanker collide off Singapore

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SINGAPORE - No oil spill was reported after a collision between a US guided-missile destroyer and a merchant vessel in Singapore waters, authorities in the city-state said on Monday.

Ten sailors from the USS John S. McCain were missing after the collision with the oil tanker east of Singapore, the US Navy said, the second accident involving US Navy destroyers in Asian waters in little more than two months.

"USS JOHN MCCAIN sustained damage to her port side and requested for tug assistance.

ALNIC MC sustained damage to her Fore Peak Tank 7m above the waterline, with no crew injuries," the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a statement.

"There is no report of oil pollution and traffic in the Singapore Strait is unaffected. MPA is investigating the incident," it added.

Monday, August 21, 2017 - 12:41
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Umbrella-sharing project at Sembawang restores Singaporeans' faith in humanity

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Umbrella-sharing may be a profit-seeking business in China, but in Singapore, it's an initiative that comes from the heart, no strings attached.

Many Singaporeans have reacted positively to a post by Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung on an umbrella-sharing scheme at Sembawang, mooted by four graduating Republic Polytechnic students.

Mr Ong, who's also MP for Sembawang GRC, noted that the project was launched at the particular crossing as a viable covered walkway could not be built due to the presence of heavy vehicles.

"The road is wide, there will be heavy vehicles, so any covered link way will need to be minimum 4.5m high, which means rain will still come in.

"It will cost millions to build a link way that may not even be effective in providing shelter. This is the problem infrastructure planners faced across Singapore," wrote Mr Ong in a Facebook post last Saturday (Aug 19).

Photo: Facebook/Ong Ye Kung

Enter Sharella, the student project jointly developed with the Land Transport Authority, with the help of Sembawang grassroots organisations.

The idea? On rainy days, pedestrians can borrow an umbrella from a rack at one side of the road, and return them to a rack on the other side.

However, the programme hit a blip, said Mr Ong, when all the umbrellas in the racks were gone barely a few hours after its launch.

"I think some residents thought a product promotion was going on," said Mr Ong, as opposed to the idea that Singaporeans are just a freebie-hungry bunch.

But with some help from community volunteers stationed at both ends to guide pedestrians on how the scheme worked, the project soon took off.

RETURN OF THE 'KAMPUNG SPIRIT'

Mr Ong was proud to note that residents carried umbrellas to and fro, and returned them at the racks when they were done. Many residents even contributed their own umbrellas to the racks.

Netizens on Facebook lauded the initiative, as well as Sembawang residents, for their community spirit.

Some described it as the return of the 'kampung spirit'.

While others, in typical Singaporean fashion, offered more suggestions to improve the situation.

And if there's any doubt the sharing economy is here to stay, one wary (or savvy, depending on how you look at it) teenager had asked a volunteer during the project's initial launch - "where's the QR code?" But in this particular 'kampung', none needed.

candicec@sph.com.sg

Monday, August 21, 2017 - 15:19

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In an era where things like bicycles, cars, homes and almost anything can be rented or shared for a fee, a new umbrella-sharing scheme in Sembawang has shown how the simple 'kampung spirit' is still alive.

You can no longer 'siam' the summon auntie - new parking app by government agencies to roll out by Oct

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Just a few months back, we talked about the ongoing trials for a new mobile app, Parking.sg created by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Housing Development Board (HDB) and the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) that will eliminate the need for parking coupons at carparks without the Electronic Parking System.

First tested by public sector officers at selected public carparks, the second phase of tests which began this month also included public sector officers' friends and family trying out the services.

Currently, more than 4,000 individuals have taken part in the trials with "no major issues".

9 in 10 of the trial participants also indicated that they preferred using the app over coupons.

All public carparks (around 1,150) that use coupons are now involved in the trials.

The app is set to be released by October for car drivers, and the agencies are working to implement the app for motorcycles and heavy vehicles afterwards.

While parking coupons can still be used by motorists after the app is released, they will eventually be phased out as Singapore looks to go fully digital with parking charges.

According to The Straits Times, the Parking.sg app will also "pave the way for the next-generation satellite Electronic Road Pricing system, which is expected to be introduced in 2020."

"Satellites will monitor vehicles to calculate road usage and parking fees, and charge motorists electronically, saving on enforcement costs."

PAY FOR HOWEVER LONG YOU PARK

Photo: Parking.sg

As compared to punching out the digits onto a paper coupon, all motorists will need to do is key in their vehicle number, select the carpark they're parked at, and indicate their intended parking duration.

Given that parking charges would be charged on a per-minute basis and refunds would be given if motorists park for a shorter period than they initially intended to, this could result in lower parking charges as compared to the coupon system, which only counts in blocks of a minimum of 30 minutes.

If there's a need for extension of parking timings, the app will also allow motorists to do so remotely.

MENTIONED BY PM LEE AT THE NATIONAL DAY RALLY

Yesterday at the annual National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made a special mention of the app, saying that "We have ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) and mobile phones, yet we are still tearing parking coupons."

He is referring to the 30 per cent or so of carparks in Singapore which still have yet to implement electronic gantries which charge fees from the IU device in all Singapore-registered vehicles.

The pushing out of the app was cited as an example of how such 'everyday' technology can help to prepare Singaporeans for the "bigger changes" that are set to come with the ongoing Smart Nation initiative.

SENTIMENTS SO FAR

Looking through the comments section on various news sites' Facebook pages, a number of netizens are still very wary of the new system:

Photo: Screengrab: Facebook
Photo: Screengrab: Facebook
Photo: Screengrab: Facebook
Photo: Screengrab: Facebook
Photo: Screengrab: Facebook

All very real concerns, given that the app might exclude those that still prefer the more 'traditional' method of purchasing coupons.

Visitors from overseas without the necessary requirements (smartphone, credit card, data plan) for the system might also end up hitting a roadblock.

With regards to this, however, the FAQ section on Parking.sg's website suggests that "[The motorists] will have to display parking coupons [or] alternatively, they can consider nearby car parks that operate with the Electronic Parking System."

Which brings about another question - why not just convert all remaining carparks to utilise the Electronic Parking System instead? In that case, all motorists need to do is stick to the status quo, paying for their fees with their already-installed IUs.

Of course, the app's implementation is still at its infancy stages, so we'll just have to wait till October to see if all the worries would be addressed then.

If you're interested to try it out, however, you can sign up to take part in the trial here!

Monday, August 21, 2017 - 12:17
You can no longer 'siam' the summon auntie - new parking app to roll out by Oct
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Toddler slapped and threatened while learning math - despite asking to be 'taught lovingly'

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A heartbreaking video of a little girl being threatened and then slapped while trying to learn mathematics has sparked outrage online.

The clip, which has since gone viral, begins with the child reciting numbers "2, 3, 4, 5" to a woman repeatedly.

After getting shouted at by the woman, the girl started to break down and implored, "Will you teach me lovingly? My head is going to burst out."

Her various hand gestures further suggest the pain and frustration that she was going through, reported mathrubhumi.com

At one point, she appeared to answer a question wrongly and was met with anger from the woman, who exclaimed, "5?!"

Realising her mistake, the girl backed away and seemingly tried to explain herself, only to be slapped by the woman.

Clutching her cheek, the toddler continued to recite her numbers tearfully.

A Stomp contributor, who shared the video with Stomp, said: "Parents and grandparents who do not know how to teach are ruining the child more than they realise.

"Rote is not learning and adults drumming [the same thing] in is not teaching."

Several celebrities have also spoken up against the video and criticised the woman for her harsh treatment of the girl.

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram: "The fact that the pain and anger of the child are ignored and one's own ego to make the child learn is so massive that compassion has totally gone out of the window.

"This is shocking and saddening to another dimension. A child can never learn if intimidated. This is hurtful."

On Twitter, Hyderabad journalist Vamsi Kaka called it "the most disturbing video he came across" online and added, "Innocence and childhood being taken away in the name of education."

Monday, August 21, 2017 - 15:29

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US destroyer collision: 4 injured taken to Singapore, 10 missing

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